Peanut oil has been there for decades, being used in most kitchens, especially in Asian kitchens. The newly popularized cold-pressed peanut oil, however, has a unique flavor and a lot of health benefits. This blog post is going to look at what cold-pressed peanut oil is, how it differs from other peanut oils, and why you should add it to your culinary repertoire.
What is Cold-pressed Peanut Oil?
Cold-pressed peanut oil is obtained by mechanically pressing peanuts at low temperatures. It is a no-heat process, and thereby, all the natural flavor and nutrients are preserved in the oil. Cold-press oil is unlike refined peanut oil since the latter is processed with heat and chemicals, removing from the oil the original rich taste and healthful properties that the peanuts possess.
Health Benefits
High in Healthy Fats: Cold-pressed peanut oil has high content of monounsaturated fats which fight bad cholesterol levels for a healthier heart.
Rich in Antioxidants: The oil contains antioxidants, such as vitamin E, fighting oxidative stress within the body and which can inhibit chronic diseases.
Anti-Inflammatory properties: Since peanuts contain resveratrol, cold-pressed peanut oil can be an amazing addition to an anti-inflammatory diet.
Source of Essential Nutrients: Cold-pressed peanut oil contains most of the nutrients found in raw peanuts, such as protein and fiber. Thus, it can be seen as healthy for consumption.
Culinary Uses
Cold-pressed peanut oil has that strong nutty flavor which makes it able to be quite versatile in cooking. Here are some ways you may apply cold-pressed peanut oil in cooking:
Stir-Frying: Very high smoke point (around 450°F), perfect for stir-frying vegetables and proteins at high temperatures without flavor degradation.
Homemade Salad Dressings: Cold-pressed peanut oil forms a very good basis for homemade salad dressings. It simply gets on so well with vinegar and spice.
Marinades: Marinate the meat or tofu in a cold-pressed peanut oil solution that includes garlic, spices, and herbs for more enhanced flavor.
Baking: To give cookies and muffins a hint of nuttiness, replace up to half of the fat required in a recipe with cold-pressed peanut oil.
How to Choose and Store Cold-Pressed Peanut Oil
On a selection of cold-pressed peanut oil, ensure you only have the best quality product by ensuring it is labeled "100% pure" or "organic". For the oil to be safe for use, it should be placed in a cool dark place, and must be used within six months for better flavor and nutritional benefits.
Conclusion
Cold-pressed peanut oil is a very wonderful and healthy addition to any kitchen. With its rich flavor, nutritional value, and the kind of versatility applied in cooking, this is really exciting to play with in your recipes. Sautéed vegetables, dressed salads, baked treats, among so many others - cold-pressed peanut oil will be sure to take that next step with your creations.